by admin | Feb 15, 2014 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In the final book of Ann Shorey’s Sisters At Heart series, Cassie Haddon takes center stage. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Cassie and her mother find themselves without a home or the means to take care of themselves. Cassie’s mother seems to be in denial and somehow expects that relatives will take care of them – only her brother-in-law has had enough of her and finding her brother turns out to be not the easy task she expected. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Cassie takes the bull by the horns and decides that she must find work and a home for them even if her background has left her ill prepared to earn a living.
Love’s Sweet Beginning has an excellent cast of characters. Cassie and Jacob, the hero and heroine grew on me as I got to know them better. A couple of the characters, one of which was Carrie’s mother, are the kind most readers love to hate. It was also fun to revisit Cassie’s friends from the two earlier books of the series. The plot moves along at a steady pace with drama, a bit of humor, family secrets, a hidden past and of course the requisite romance.
I loved Cassie’s determination and spirit and found it rewarding to watch her confidence grow as she learned new skills. Jacob was a bit more difficult to get to know but I enjoyed seeing him finally let go of his fear over his past. And even Cassie’s mother with all her airs was eventually an overcomer.
Love’s Sweet Beginning is a wonderful story about putting the past behind and moving on with life as God leads. It was a welcome ending to an enjoyable series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What will it take for a once-privileged young woman to make her way in the world?
It isn’t Cassie Haddon’s fault that she has reached the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the War Between the States, she always had servants. Since then, she and her mother have been forced to rely on family to care for them. But now the well of human kindness has run dry–and Cassie must find work to support them.
Unfortunately, leaving the past behind is easier said than done, and Cassie must summon all of her courage and wits to convince local restaurateur and grocer Jacob West that she’s exactly what his business needs.
With her signature sweet romance, Ann Shorey weaves a tale of two people from different backgrounds finding common ground and the hope of a bright future together.
Read an excerpt from Love’s Sweet Beginning HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Where Wildflowers Bloom, and When the Heart Heals. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Learn more at www.annshorey.com.
by admin | Feb 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
The Sinners’ Garden is one of those books that will not be quickly forgotten. I fully expect that various events from the novel will pop into my mind or dreams from out of the blue. It is a beautifully crafted story with a supernatural ambiance that captured my imagination yet left me with some thoughts to ponder.
It was easy for me to connect with the characters of The Sinners’ Garden. They are fairly normal people, although each is emotionally broken in some way. Pain or grief has been a constant companion to some of them. Each is desperately in need of healing. Another thing they have in common is their need for God but like many of us, they are so busy trying to earn His love or feeling unworthy of His attention, that they completely miss His free gift of grace. But God has chosen as unique way to get their attention that is a predominate factor in the plot.
With a strong cast of characters, a well-paced plot, a good dose of mystery and suspense, and a reasonably strong emphasis on faith and forgiveness, The Sinners’ Garden is nearly perfection. There were several scenes where sharing the message of salvation would have fit quite well and would have been so appropriate. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed The Sinners’ Garden and look forward to future books by this author.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …
Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy’s pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.
Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.
As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.
Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.
Purchase a copy HERE.
Read an excerpt from The Sinners’ Garden HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and tremendous lows–some born of chance, some born of choice. Life lessons involving faith, grace, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. “The Sinners’ Garden” is his second novel. His first novel, “The Reason,” was published in 2012. William makes his home in southern Michigan.
Learn more at William’s website.
by admin | Feb 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Friend Me” is a contemporary suspense filled novel that could be a harbinger of where current social media could take us if we are not careful. The idea of being able to create virtual friends who actually interact with their creators is unique and many people would jump on the bandwagon in an instant. However Faubion’s tale gives the reader a warning about what could happen when the person behind the scenes is both mentally disturbed and unethical.
The story of Scott and Rachel’s marital problems is one to which untold numbers of husbands and wives could relate – a husband whose work is so demanding that he is unable to spend quality time with his wife and children and a wife whose life is spent in the presence of young children with very little adult conversation. As a result both husband and wife begin to feel unappreciated and unloved and begin to grow apart. In the case of Scott and Rachel, they were both ripe for the picking when they discovered the virtual friend service. Neither of them expected their experience to turn into a living nightmare.
For me, the beginning moved a bit slowly and was filled with more details than I wanted. It took me awhile to connect with the primary characters. Scott and Rachel were obviously Christians who tried to live according to their beliefs and were genuinely remorseful when they failed. Their faith was an integral part of the storyline without being intrusive. After several chapters the plot began to move along and I wanted to keep reading in order to find out what was going to happen. The ending was climatic yet just a little rushed . Overall, I found “Friend Me” to be an interesting concept that made a suspenseful story.
Although the author was able to tactfully convey Scott’s improper relationship with his virtual girlfriend without unnecessary details, there are a few somewhat violent and/or disturbing scenes that I would consider mature content. I would advise parents to read “Friend Me” and judge for themselves whether it is appropriate reading for their teens.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a lonely wife and her frustrated husband each secretly pursue companionship online, neither dreams that a real woman is behind their virtual creations, threatening their marriage—and their lives.
Scott and Rachel’s marriage is on the brink of disaster. Scott, a businessman with a high-pressure job, just wants Rachel to understand him and accept his flaws. Rachel is a lonely housewife, desperate for attention and friendship. So she decides to create a virtual friend online, unaware that Scott is doing the exact same thing. As Rachel desperately tries to re-create a friendship with a friend who has passed, Scott becomes unfaithful and is torn between the love for his wife and the perfection of his cyber-girlfriend. But neither realizes that there’s a much larger problem looming…
Behind both of their online creations is Melissa, a woman who is brilliant—and totally insane. Masquerading as both friend and lover, Melissa programmed a search parameter into the virtual friend software to find her perfect man, but along the way she forgot to specify his marriage status. And Scott is her ideal match. Now Melissa is determined to have it all—Scott, his family, and Rachel’s life.
As Melissa grows bolder and her online manipulations transition into the real world, Scott and Rachel figure out they are being played. Now it’s a race against time as Scott and Rachel fight to save their marriage, and their lives, before it’s too late.
In today’s digital age, the Internet presents all kinds of opportunities to test our personal boundaries, and this exciting and suspenseful story raises important questions about the ethics of virtual relationships. Friend Me will open your eyes to a new—and terrifying—moral dimensions and how they play out in the real world.
Purchase copy and learn more at John’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Faubion has spent many years in Asia as a missionary with his family. Since returning to the United States, John has worked as a senior software developer for a large appliance chain. He teaches an adult Sunday school class and enjoys writing and driving his 1949 Packard automobile. John lives near Indianapolis with his wife, Beth, and their daughter.
by admin | Feb 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Valentine's Day
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOnce Upon a Winter’s HeartCenter Street (January 7, 2014)byMelody CarlsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults–with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine’s Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter’s Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have come to look forward to Melody’s newest Christmas novella each year – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without one! After reading Once Upon a Winter’s Heart, I vote for a new tradition of an annual Valentine’s Day book as well. In true Carlson style, this novel is a tender romantic story that also gets to the heart of what constitutes a good marriage and/or relationship.
A quick read, Once Upon a Winter’s Heart is a story about Emma, a young woman who has given up on finding true love when she finally meets a man who seems to be everything she has ever desired. Naturally there are complications and Emma tries her best to keep her heart intact. I loved Emma’s devotion to her family, her loyalty to her sister, and her love for her nephew. Lane was such an encourager that I hoped he and Emma would end up together.
A sweet romance with a Valentine theme, Once Upon a Winter’s Heart is sure to be an encouragement to those who have almost given up on finding their perfect match.
by admin | Feb 8, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Home at Last is a short but sweet romance that can easily be read in one sitting – at least for me! It features Olivia Lamington, a woman approaching the age of forty who has had almost no interaction with men and has never even been kissed. Her background is tragic but she has maintained her innocence, her integrity, and most of all her total trust in God. At the death of her employer of twenty years, Olivia has inherited his estate. Unexpectedly, the long presumed dead heir returns to make amends with his father but he is a few weeks too late.
This story is one of those that borders right on the edge of belief but is just so good and sweet that you can’t help but love it. It paints a picture of how we wish things could be – that there really are those whose hearts are as pure as Olivia’s and who still possess the wonder of a child. Although Noah has traveled the world and is somewhat jaded, Olivia touches something in him that makes him hope once more. I loved the way that each of them encouraged the other to face the pain from their past.
Filled with humor, romance, emotional scenes, and secrets that are revealed, Home at Last is the perfect book to help you wind down after a hectic week.
The author provided a free copy of this book for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Olivia Lamington’s never had a home or family
When her late employer leaves Bromfeld Manor to her, Olivia feels secure for the first time in her life. Then Bromfeld’s prodigal son returns, challenging her claim to the estate—and everything Olivia understands about family…and love.
The woman his father left his fortune to is as beautiful as she is innocent, which is why Noah Bromfeld offers to let Olivia stay while he settles his father’s affairs. The closer he gets to Olivia, though, the more Noah wonders if this sweet beauty is the key to his future. But will his dark past destroy his only hope for happiness?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
by admin | Feb 8, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Patricia Bradley is a new author for me but I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for her future books. Shadows of the Past held my interest from the beginning through the end with its mysterious events and an escalating sense of danger. I really liked the primary characters and the way they interacted. Taylor’s empathy toward others was so evident yet she had difficulty accepting the same advice for herself. Nick’s belief in his brother Scott despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary was admirable. The plot was deftly woven with numerous separate but possibly connected crimes that all came together in a climatic and surprising ending.
It is always a pleasant surprise to open a new book and find that it takes place in a familiar location. I enjoyed the fact that much of Shadows of the Past was set in Memphis, Tennessee and nearby north Mississippi. I have lived my entire life just outside the Memphis city limits and am quite familiar with the city and much of the surrounding area. Although I have spent most of my time north of the Tennessee/Mississippi line, I do have some knowledge of north Mississippi also. It was fun reading about well known streets and locations. There was even one restaurant described that I hope is not a fictional business – I do intend to find out asap.
I really loved this book and could easily envision at least two more books featuring supporting characters from Shadows of the Past. I hope that is in Patricia Bradley’s future plans. If not, this is a STRONG hint.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
While she’s stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her.
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present–and moving into a future they never imagined.
“Bradley had me totally hooked. An outstanding first book in the Logan Point romantic suspense series.”–Sandra Orchard, award-winning author of the Undercover Cops series and Deadly Devotion of the Port Aster Secrets series
“Keep your eye on Patricia Bradley. With her stellar writing and edge-of-the-seat suspense, there is no telling what she has in store for readers next.”–Sandra Robbins, award-winning author
Read an excerpt from Shadows of the Past HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley‘s manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. When she’s not writing or speaking, she can be found making beautiful clay pots and jewelry. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more on her website.
